Cost To Visit French Polynesia: Complete 2026 Budget Guide
Discover how much it costs to visit French Polynesia in 2026, with detailed prices for food, lodging, flights, activities, and seasonal travel.
Planning a trip to French Polynesia? This detailed travel cost guide breaks down exactly how much you’ll need to spend — from overwater bungalows and lagoon tours to budget guesthouses and local eats.
We’ll show you how prices change by season, which islands cost more or less, and what to expect for transportation, food, hotels, and excursions across Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
💡 Is French Polynesia Expensive to Visit?
Yes — French Polynesia is one of the most expensive island destinations in the world, especially for luxury travelers visiting places like Bora Bora. Prices are on par with or exceed destinations like the Maldives or Hawaii.
However, you can visit French Polynesia on a budget if you avoid overwater villas, stay on Tahiti or Moorea, and eat locally. Compared to U.S. cities, food and accommodations are more expensive overall, especially due to its remote location and import costs.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Breakdown
Seasons in French Polynesia affect pricing for flights, hotels, and activities — particularly during dry season and holidays.
🔥 Peak Season (June – August & mid-December – early January)
- Why it’s expensive: Dry weather, European and U.S. summer holidays.
- Expect: High hotel rates, limited availability, and expensive flights.
- Tip: Book 6+ months ahead for overwater bungalows and major resorts.
🌴 Shoulder Season (April – May & September – October)
- Why it’s ideal: Good weather, fewer crowds, and better pricing.
- Best for: Snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, and photography.
🌧️ Off-Season (November – March)
- Why it’s cheapest: Rainy season, occasional tropical storms.
- Bonus: Lowest hotel and flight prices, especially in January and February.
- Note: Still warm, and rain often comes in short bursts.
💰 Most Expensive Times to Visit French Polynesia
- June to August: High season for tourism due to dry weather.
- Christmas & New Year: From mid-December through the first week of January, prices surge.
- Bastille Day (July 14): Festivals raise prices in Papeete and on Tahiti.
💸 Cheapest Times to Visit French Polynesia
- Mid-January through March: Best rates on flights and hotels.
- Late April – early May: End of rainy season with low crowds.
- Early November: Great shoulder-season deals.
🏨 Where You Stay Affects the Cost
French Polynesia has 118 islands — but most travelers stay in Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora. Each has a different cost profile.
Most Expensive Islands
Bora Bora
- Home to iconic overwater bungalows and 5-star resorts.
- Pros: Stunning lagoons, luxury spas, private motus.
- Cons: Very expensive — many hotels start at $1,000+/night.
- Popular attractions:
- Snorkeling & diving tours
- Mt. Otemanu hiking
- Private lagoon cruises
Taha’a & Rangiroa
- Exclusive and remote, ideal for upscale honeymoons or diving trips.
- Cons: Fewer budget options, limited transport.
Affordable Islands
Moorea
- 30-min ferry from Tahiti, with varied accommodations and affordable food.
- Pros: Beaches, hikes, and tours at half the cost of Bora Bora.
- Cons: Fewer ultra-luxury options.
- Popular attractions:
- Belvedere Lookout
- ATV tours
- Whale watching (July–October)
Tahiti (Main Island)
- Entry point with Papeete Airport (PPT) and local markets.
- Pros: Largest selection of budget hotels and hostels.
- Cons: Less picturesque than other islands.
Cheapest Islands to Stay
Huahine, Raiatea, and Maupiti
- Quiet, local-focused, and much cheaper than Bora Bora.
- Pros: Budget pensions, Airbnb options, cultural activities.
- Cons: Fewer direct flights, less English spoken.
💸 French Polynesia Travel Costs
🏨 Average Hotel Prices (Per Night)
| Island/Season | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti | $60–$100 | $120–$250 | $300+ |
| Moorea | $70–$130 | $150–$300 | $400+ |
| Bora Bora | $150–$250 | $350–$600 | $900–$2,000+ |
🍽️ Food Costs (Per Day)
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $5–$8 | $10–$20 | $25+ |
| Lunch | $8–$15 | $18–$30 | $40+ |
| Dinner | $12–$20 | $30–$60 | $75–$150+ |
Pro Tip: Eat at roulottes (food trucks) in Papeete and Moorea for delicious meals under $10.
🚤 Transportation Costs
| Mode | Avg Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Inter-island flight | $100–$250 one-way |
| Ferry (Tahiti–Moorea) | $12 one-way |
| Rental car | $60–$100 per day |
| Airport taxi (Papeete) | $25–$35 |
| Scooter rental | $40–$60 per day |
| Public bus (limited) | $1–$2 per ride |
🎟️ Popular Attractions & Excursions
| Activity | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling tour (half-day) | $75–$130 |
| 4x4 island tour | $90–$150 |
| Jet ski rental (1 hour) | $100–$130 |
| Shark & stingray swim (Bora Bora) | $120–$180 |
| Sunset cruise | $70–$120 |
| Hiking trails (self-guided) | Free |
| Day pass to resort | $50–$100 |
🚗 Island-Hopping Day Trip Options
Most trips between islands require flights or ferries, not ideal for quick day trips. However:
| Destination | From | Transport | Time | Cost (RT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorea | Tahiti | Ferry | 30 mins | $24 |
| Tetiaroa | Tahiti | Private tour | 1.5 hrs | $350–$600 |
| Raiatea | Bora Bora | Flight | 20 mins | $100–$150 |
| Maupiti | Bora Bora | Flight | 25 mins | $100–$150 |
💰 Daily Budget Estimates
| Type | Hotel | Food | Transport | Activities | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $70 | $25 | $10 | $20 | $125/day |
| Mid-Range | $180 | $60 | $25 | $60 | $325/day |
| Luxury | $500 | $130 | $60 | $150 | $840/day |
📅 Weekly Budget Estimate
| Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Activities | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $490 | $175 | $70 | $140 | $875 |
| Mid-Range | $1,260 | $420 | $175 | $420 | $2,275 |
| Luxury | $3,500 | $910 | $420 | $1,050 | $5,880 |
✈️ Average Flight Cost to French Polynesia (from U.S.)
| Departure City | Avg Round-Trip Price |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | $850–$1,300 |
| San Francisco | $900–$1,400 |
| New York (JFK) | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Miami | $1,300–$1,900 |
💡 Flights arrive at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. You’ll need inter-island flights or ferries to reach Moorea or Bora Bora. Sign up for cheap flight alerts from Jetsetter Alerts to never miss out on an amazing deal to French Polynesia.